Remodeling Ideas for a Kid-Friendly Kitchen

A kitchen is a place for everyone to gather and socialize. That includes the children. Make your kitchen more inviting and kid-friendly for your little ones with these innovative solutions.

Built-In Breakfast and Play Nook

One popular solution for a kid-friendly kitchen is to install a bench and table nook area with books. This way, the kids can relax and read while you’re preparing meals, but also have their very own area to share with you while eating. You can include a play kitchen, as well, so that kids too young to help cook can practice. Making sure the kids feel included is good for their well-being and teaches them important skills that they can apply later in life.

Chalkboard Paint Ideas

To add more fun to your kitchen area, it’s a good idea to have some great places where kids can draw with chalk. It’s safe for the kitchen area, as it’s non-toxic. Some great places to make a chalkboard surface with chalkboard paint include the sides of benches, the fridge, a hanging chalkboard menu, or even the lower cabinets. You might choose one or two of these options. But you may even want to do them all. This allows the kids to express themselves and make the space more their own. Giving kids a creative outlet is always a good idea and this way brightens up your kitchen.

Built-In Kid-Friendly Access

When remodeling your kitchen, be sure to ask your contractor about building in options that specifically cater to kids. However, these are conveniences that last a lifetime, and aren’t just useful for when they are still kids. Having a hidden step stool behind a cabinet built for that purpose is one idea. The cabinet could even contain a slide out with a built-in stepstool. Also, try putting in lower, easy-function cabinets made for kids’ dishes and utensils. You can then put in higher cabinets with child-safe locks for other items that the kids don’t need or shouldn’t access.

Kid-Friendly Plumbing

Did you know that child-sized sinks are available, even for residential usage? Try having a kid-sized sink and lower cabinet to help kids keep clean in the kitchen. Other related conveniences include a soap dispenser, automatic faucets, and a hand dryer or low-reaching paper towel rack. There are also drinking fountains that are either separate from the sink or that attach to the existing faucet for convenience. Like with the kid-friendly access options, many of these plumbing options are conveniences that are useful for all ages.

Easy Access to Trash

To encourage kids to pick up trash, the best way is to make it easier for them to do. Adding an element of fun is also good. Try hiding it inside a low reaching, built-in reach-in cabinet. A step-on can is also fun for kids. Some might enjoy it more if a basketball hoop was installed over the trash can for fun tossing of trash. Making a game out of throwing out the trash teaches the kids to do a very important chore without feeling forced to do it.